Researchers at BioSurface Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:BSRF) ofCambridge, Mass., and the Schepens Eye Research Institute(SERI) of Boston reported that studies demonstrating thatlaboratory-grown, human corneal epithelial cells expanded inculture from a minute biopsy sample may provide potentiallyuseful tissue for grafts to restore the ocular surface followingsevere eye injuries.

The study was published in the August issue of InvestigativeOphthalmology and Visual Science.

"The results are very encouraging for the potential use ofcultured human corneal cells as grafting material to treatsevere ocular surface injuries," said co-author Kenneth Kenyon,clinical senior scientist at SERI, associate clinical professor ofOphthalmology at Harvard Medical School and senior surgeonat Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

"Laboratory grown tissue may provide an importantalternative to the limbal transplant surgical techniques whichwe have developed, and may additionally improve prognosisfor subsequent corneal transplantations," he said.

At least 10,000 eye injuries are estimated to occur in the U.S.each year in which abnormal or incomplete corneal healingleads to loss of vision.

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